The Unofficial Guide to vMix® ​ ​ BY PAUL RICHARDS Copyright © 2021. Paul Richards. vMix is a registered trademark owned by StudioCoast Pty Ltd. NDI® is a registered trademark of NewTek, Inc. ​ All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations included in critical articles and reviews. For information, please contact the author. Photographs by Michael Luttermoser Cover Photography Copyright © by Michael Luttermoser and Paul Schmutzler DISCLAIMER AND/OR LEGAL NOTICES Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause ISBN: 9798688070316 ​ DEDICATION To the Streaming Idiots and the amazing group of StreamGeeks who have helped all along the way! CONTENTS Acknowledgments i 1 What is vMix 1 2 Getting Started 4 The Interface 6 Inputs 8 MultiView 12 Working with Titles 14 3 Audio 20 VST3 Plugins 26 4 vMix Basics 29 Settings 29 Recording Video 36 Live Streaming 41 Video Overlay Channels 45 Mindful Video Production 47 Using vMix Social 55 5 Advanced vMix Features 60 vMix Shortcuts 60 Using GT Title Designer 63 Using vMix Call 65 Using the vMix Web Controller 68 6 vMix Deep Dive 72 The Unofficial Guide to vMix vMix Color Correction Tools 72 How to use Virtual Sets in vMix 79 Working with NDI Sources in 81 vMix 81 Working with NDI Source in vMix 89 PTZ Camera Controls in vMix 95 Using vMix PlayLists 98 Working with vMix Data Sources 7 10 Mastering vMix 1 vMix Instant Replay 10 1 How to use vMix Trigger 10 vMix API for Developers 4 8 An Amazing Case Study 10 9 6 Conclusion 10 8 11 4 6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to acknowledge my production team mates Michael Luttermoser, Tess Protesto, Julia Sherwin, Brian Mulcahy, and Lindsey Pope. ONLINE COURSE Consider taking your learning further with the optional online course for this book on Udemy here: https://www.udemy.com/course/vmix-live-streaming. ​ FACEBOOK GROUP Consider joining the other StreamGeeks using vMix in Facebook group here: http://facebook.com/groups/streamgeeks. ​ ​ 1 1 WHAT IS VMIX? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ vMix is live video production software that can turn a regular Windows computer into a professional video production studio. The software allows you to mix together video and audio sources into a production which can be recorded, streamed and connected to a number of popular video production workflows. The output of vMix can be set up in standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and even 4K. All you need is a PC desktop or laptop with Windows 10 and a DirectX10 compatible graphics card. More specific system requirements are available at https://www.vmix.com/software/supported-hardware.aspx. ​ The layout of vMix is designed to create the look and feel of a professional broadcast studio with both preview and output windows set side by side during operation. Some users may feel a bit overwhelmed at first but will quickly find the interface both intuitive and powerful. What Are You Going to Learn in This Book? 1 The Unofficial Guide to vMix In this book, you will learn everything you need to know to set up and operate vMix like a pro. First, you will learn how to download the software, get set up and become familiar with the interface. Next, you will learn about your audio-visual mixing options and common workflows associated with vMix productions. Then, you will learn how to get all your sources connected. vMix accepts inputs in multiple formats, including cameras, capture devices, NDI (Network Device Integration) sources, video files, and even more advanced input sources such as SRT and RTSP live video streams. You will then learn about all the features within the software you can use to mix sources and improve the look of your video. Next, you will be introduced to options for controlling and viewing your video production. Finally, you will see how easy it is to begin your own production for recording or live streaming. You can even use the virtual camera output from vMix to send audio and video into a webinar or video conference software. How Does vMix Compare to Other Solutions in the Market? There are several options for video production software, but vMix hits the sweet spot of features and value for many users and organizations. It has a unique pricing strategy that allows users with different budgets and needs to choose the best option. It comes in five editions Basic, Basic HD, HD, 4K, and Pro, ranging in price from free to $1200. Many of the best core features are included in even the lowest-priced editions. The lowest-priced paid option ($60) offers HD resolution, three camera inputs, overlays, built-in animated titles, scoreboards, and tickers. All versions allow the user to record and send up to three simultaneous live streams. One of the greatest features of vMix is its ability to grow with you. New streamers can purchase a license for what they need at the time and quickly upgrade, adding more features without having to learn a new software environment. For this reason, vMix is a great choice for many users because it isn’t likely you will have to stop the learning process and switch to another software because of a technical limitation. vMix is used for simple 2 The Unofficial Guide to vMix productions and advanced solutions everyday all around the world. In fact, if you keep an eye out, you will find the world’s top broadcast professionals using vMix in even the most mission critical situations. 3 2 GETTING STARTED Part of what makes vMix great is that it is available in six editions to fit your exact needs and budget. If you are not sure what works best for you, you can try the full edition for free for 60 days. That way, you can see what features and options you need before you decide. The six editions differ in the features that they unlock. With the free edition, you get a fully functional program with four inputs, two camera inputs, and a maximum resolution of 768 x 576 (SD). It also includes the ability to send three simultaneous live streams and record. You can take advantage of one video overlay channel and access built-in animated titles, scoreboards, and tickers. The Basic HD edition adds an additional camera input and bumps resolution up 1080p. The next level (HD) virtually eliminates input limits with a total of 1000 inputs for cameras or any other source. It also adds vMix Call for one caller, which is great for bringing in remote guests to your production. It also offers a total of four overlay channels. The final two editions, 4K and Pro, increase the top resolution to 4K plus add more advanced features like dual recording, instant replay, and PTZ camera control. Installing vMix Whether you have already purchased a vMix license or want to try the free 60-day trial with full functionality, the process is the same: Go to vMix.com ​ 1. Click on the download button near the top of the screen. 2. Click the button to begin the download. 3. Run the installer. 4. Follow the installation prompts. 5. Enter your email to begin the free trial or enter your vMix registration key that you received after a purchase. 4 The Unofficial Guide to vMix Once the software is installed and running, it will prompt you to select a preset. Do not worry if you aren’t sure about this. You can change it later. vMix presets are used to save layouts of inputs. These presets can be saved and loaded as an easy way to switch and recall projects you have worked on in the past. You will want to pick the option that matches the resolution and frame rate of your cameras or other video sources. If you have installed the software on an older, lower-power computer, you may need to choose a lower resolution and frame rate to ensure smooth operation. Updating vMix One of the great things about vMix as a company, is their support for new features. The creators of vMix pay close attention to their community of users who actively post new ideas in the user forums. If there is enough support for a new feature idea, it is usually implemented in the software within a period of time. As new updates become available, you will see a little message at the bottom of vMix that says, “Update Available.” Each purchase of vMix includes 12 months (1 year) worth of free updates. After one year, you will need to purchase additional updates. You can check to see if you are eligible for free updates and purchase additional updates by logging into your vMix account at https://account.vmix.com/. ​ 5 The Unofficial Guide to vMix Finding Help Once you are up and running, be sure to go back to vMix.com to get all ​ ​ the information and support you may need to get started. Clicking on the “support” button on the home page will give you access to the user guide and training videos. You can also search the knowledge base for answers to frequently asked questions and known issues, join the forums to share knowledge with other users, and even reach out to support if you can’t find the information you need.